TPA hosts statewide discussion on the future of Advanced Air Mobility in Florida

Transportation leaders and industry partners from across the state gathered at Tampa International Airport last week for the first of three tabletop discussions on the future of Advanced Air Mobility in Florida.

The event was organized by the Florida Department of Transportation in partnership with the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and included city and state regulatory planners, the Federal Aviation Administration, experts from the University of South Florida and representatives from some of the private companies hoping to bring Advanced Air Mobility to Florida.

Advanced Air Mobility is a developing air-based transportation mode that makes use of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to carry passengers and cargo and provides essential services in urban and rural settings. These aircraft could operate at some existing airports and heliports but could also use standalone landing facilities known as vertiports.

In November, Tampa International became the first major Airport to host an eVTOL test flight when Volocopter held a demonstration for local dignitaries, mayors from both sides of Tampa Bay and around 200 spectators.